[Guest]

Two questions:

What is the escutcheon made of? I have seen two answers to this. One says it is gold painted plastic, the other that it is brass.

Second: These two pics show the worst damage on my cabiner. Heavy wear in certain places (like where the lid meets) and long term use damage to the top. Are these areas too badly damaged to try Howard's Restor-A-Finish? And, which color of Restor-A-Finish should I be using on this cabinet? I say Walnut or Dark Oak, my gf says even Cherry might be too dark.

[Image: http://www.george.nu/pics/Philco/top%20-...damage.jpg]

[Image: http://www.george.nu/pics/Philco/escutch...damage.jpg]

[Guest]

Obviously I am not going for a pure restoration here but the wood sure does shine. This will be lit from the inside, and these fabrics positively glow when backlit.

[Image: http://www.george.nu/pics/Philco/Grill%2...0in800.jpg]

I'll post more as I get around to finishing that hole in the front and the escutcheon.

[Ron Ramirez]

Well...to answer your earlier questions...

The escutcheon may be brass, but is more likely steel that is plated - or painted - brass. As I recall, brass was used for the 1939 escutcheons but not 1940; I'm almost positive they are steel with brass plating (or painted to look brass).

As to the top of your cabinet, the lacquer is in pretty bad shape, judging from your pictures. Looks to me like selective refinishing is in order; I don't think Howard's will help you much here. (Oh, and you'll want Walnut if you use Howard's Restore-A-Finish.)

[DeckApe]

My 1940 escutcheon was indeed steel painted to look brass... Plasti-Kote brass color in the "Odds-n-Ends" size, #139S, is pretty doggone close according to someone else on here--and it is a great improvement over the gold I had mine originally painted (after stripping off the black) that is shown in the "A Beginner's Journey" thread.

[gary rabbitt]

Hi Cat,
For these type of metal escutcheons, I found that Valspar/Plasti Kote 139S Odds `N' Ends Spray Enamel , comes in a small can, just about matches the original paint. It is not bright gold as some paints are, so it is toned down.

You can find the stuff at most all home and big box stores.

Looking at your escutcheon, it doesn't look that bad in the photo, so it might not need a paint job.

On these models, there is lettering that must be filled after painting. Perhaps some kind of water based paint to fill, then wipe off excess leaving the paint embedded in the letters.

Good luck,
Gary.

[phly guy]

For the lettering you can use a "lacquer stick" made for that purpose. You can find these at some art supply stores as well as at AES
http://www.tubesandmore.com

Just go there and type "lacquer stick" in their search window.

John